MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — A man is facing several charges after West Virginia State Police say he drove drunk with a 7-year-old in his vehicle.

It happened on July 26, according to a criminal complaint. A state trooper was responding to an unrelated call on Mileground Road when a Kia Forte went speeding by, passing multiple vehicles improperly and recklessly, the complaint said.

The trooper initiated a stop near Airport Boulevard, and noticed the vehicle did not have an inspection sticker and that a child was in the rear passenger seat, according to the complaint.

The trooper spoke with Alexander Kerns, 29, who was driving, and smelled “an alcoholic beverage emitting from the defendant’s breath,” the complaint said.

Though Kerns “advised he did not consume any alcoholic beverages,” he displayed signs of impairment during a field sobriety test and produced a BAC of .118, according to troopers.

Additionally, troopers say Kerns’ license was suspended effective July 10, 2024 for unpaid citations.

Kerns was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and driving while license is suspended or revoked, in addition to citations for vehicle infractions.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WBOY Crime Tracker

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.